Louis Theroux meets Grace, who was found starving to death and blind in one eye

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October is National Dog Adoption Month, a campaign which various celebrities are backing in the hope of encouraging more people to rescue abandoned animals.

Documentary maker Louis Theroux visited the Mayhew Animal Home in North West London yesterday, and was particularly taken with one of the dogs.

Grace was found on a doorstep starving to death, blind in one eye and desperately weak, by a member of the public who took her to the rescue centre.

Her legs were badly stained, indicating that she had been left for a considerable time to soak in her own urine.

She has a grade four heart murmur, suffers from anaemia and her coat was in a filthy state. Her stomach was also so swollen that vets had to immediately drain off two litres of fluid.

Do you have a rescue pet? Scroll down to tell us their story

Poor Grace was emaciated and had an incredibly swollen stomach

As she was not microchipped, it is not known who owned her and how she came to be in this sorry state.

Louis Theroux said: "Grace’s story is tragic and she really is an amazing dog. It's a testament to her strength and courage that she’s made it this far after what she’s been through.

"We need places like the Mayhew Animal Home to help thousands of dogs like Grace who desperately need treatment, care and a loving home.

"So many dogs in the UK are being abused and abandoned, which is why we need rescue centres - but they are stretched to breaking point.

“That’s why I am delighted to highlight National Adoption Month for dogs who are not quite so lucky at finding a second chance home.”

Bonding: Louis said Grace "really is an amazing dog"

Do you have a rescue pet? Tell us about them via the form at the bottom of the article

Test results for Grace show she has an intestinal condition called lymphangiectasia. Her long term prognosis is not clear.

The campaign is led by Dogsblog.com, a website designed to match prospective owners up with their ideal rescue dog.

Speaking on behalf of the site, Kim O'Meara said: "With dog abandonment continuing to rise, we're hoping National Dog Adoption Month can help to show dogs in rescues centres in a different light and visits like Louis helps to do just this.”